WTO selects new chairs for 2018; Japan's Ihara takes over General Council

World Trade Organization members have selected new chairs for committees and negotiating bodies this year. Japan’s ambassador to the WTO, Junichi Ihara, will move from chair of the Dispute Settlement Body to the chair of the General Council. Thailand’s ambassador, Sunanta Kangvalkukij, will take over Ihara’s spot as chair of the DSB and guide members as they attempt to solve a standstill – prompted by a U.S. blockade – on filling vacant Appellate Body seats. Mexico’s ambassador, Roberto Zapata Barradas,...